Astrology of Today – August 16, 2016

The Moon is in Aquarius from 7:52 AM forward (until Thursday, August 18th, at 12:34 PM).

The Moon is waxing and in its Waxing Gibbous phase.

A First Quarter Moon occurred on the 10th, and a Full Moon will occur on the 18th.

Mars is direct and in its post-retrograde shadow until August 22nd.

Times are EDT

Horoscopes

Aries

Aries

You can feel exceptionally romantic or simply confident and expressive today, dear Aries, with the Sun in your solar fifth house harmonizing with Uranus in your sign. You can be radiant now. There is quite a bit of energy to the day, as well as a strong sense that you can reach your goals. Romantically and creatively, you are in good form. The urge to make a splash or to take a risk is strong. You can be the bringer of surprise and change. Moves made now can be sudden, but intuitive. You might be making changes in how you approach others, and you have your eye on making progress and improvements.

Taurus

Taurus

You can have a strong sense of moving forward and putting harmful elements of the past behind you now, dear Taurus. Even so, this is a good time for exploring the past and how it affects you in the present, so it makes sense to examine matters but avoid dwelling. Be courageous now, even if someone seems to be putting a damper on your plans, or if you face criticism. Anything can happen on the home front today, and surprises can emerge from the past, or a pleasing change of pace can occur that keeps things feeling fresh and moving forward. Give a little when it comes to traditional attitudes for best results today. Think up new ways to enjoy family and your home life.

Gemini

Gemini

Interactions can be especially progressive, enthusiastic, and spirited today, dear Gemini. Opportunities can come from or through friends, groups, meetings, and communications. Don’t be afraid to show others your more unique qualities and to share your progressive ideas. Keep an open mind today, and look for opportunities to discover new interests. You are extraordinarily inventive and unafraid to show others your more unique qualities. You and others tend to be more open-minded and willing to entertain unusual ideas right now. Even so, today is about taking action on ideas and making them work. Exploring different ways of relating and communicating can be satisfying. There can be progress made in a friendship, community project, or team endeavor.

Cancer

Cancer

There can be a strong focus of interest and conversation on business matters, money, personal possessions, and core values now, dear Cancer. You’re likely to consider ways to be a little more self-sufficient. Life is slightly more hectic and surprising today than it has been, and you’re sure to feel more optimistic about your current path and your future. People tend to be supportive of your goals. This is a time when your more unusual and progressive ideas about money and business can be recognized, so don’t be afraid to share. An opportunity might arise now that helps you to break free from restrictive circumstances, or that can lead to more freedom down the road. Some of you could be upgrading technology or might stumble upon an item that helps you improve efficiency.

Leo

Leo

You have even more impact than usual today, dear Leo, and you’re expressing yourself more spontaneously as well. Others are likely to receive you well. Finding yourself on the same page with a significant person in your life can be satisfying. This can be an advantageous time for drawing on the courage to assert your independence without alienating others in the process. You may solve a problem or two, not only for yourself but for others as well. You’re admired for your originality and unique perspective today. Non-routine activities tend to fare best right now, and some of you might even learn of or experience mind-blowing things today. Certainly, you are more spirited and open to change and progress than usual.

Virgo

Virgo

Your inner world is animated, and you could have a strong sense that right now is the time to make significant emotional or spiritual changes, dear Virgo. As it often is these days, your attention turns to behind the scenes. You’re inclined to search within for answers. You can have sudden insights into your own behavior or that of others today, although you may not be as quick to share them, as you are in a particularly private frame of mind these days. An open mind is key right now, and you could feel quite happy with new discoveries, even if you do keep them to yourself for the time being. Surprises and opportunities can come out of the blue now, and an element/person of your past reappearing can be part of this.

Libra

Libra

Your social life can be quite animated today, dear Libra. Aim to be open to possibilities and also to making changes related to a partner or friend. Surprises or changes can occur now with your relationships, and they are likely to be pleasant or at least stimulating enough to get you thinking and relating in new ways. Share your personal philosophy with someone special, and don’t be afraid to approach certain topics – as long as you do it with grace and warmth, which comes naturally to you anyhow, you’ll find that we’re a little more open to different feelings and ideas now. An instinctive need for change is with you today, from the inside out. Outworn attitudes have to go, and circumstances now make you especially aware of this fact. You might decide to take action now on recent revelations. You might enjoy progress in a friendship, group endeavor, or community project.

Scorpio

Scorpio

You might receive special attention today, dear Scorpio, particularly in a professional sense, and this may be about an innovative idea or method that you’ve employed recently. Today brings just enough emotional detachment that you can move past limitations and to break free from dwelling on certain issues from the past. For you, this relates mainly to a partnership, practical matters, and health. New developments in your career path or a work project can emerge, and they spell progress. Pleasant surprises are likely now. There can be a spirit of openness with co-workers or associates. This is a fine time to think about getting rid of unhealthy habits. You might put recent breakthrough ideas about work and health into motion now or experience increased motivation to work hard towards a long-term goal.

Sagittarius

Sagittarius

You can feel quite inspired today, dear Sagittarius. An open, progressive attitude might lead to doors opening for new experiences involving travel or romance, or artistic and creative pursuits. If you’re feeling a little bit of fear about expressing your creative side, push yourself just a little to get yourself going. The motivation to reinvent yourself runs high. You might thoroughly enjoy connecting with people through different beliefs and opinions, or through new personal interests. You are in the mood to learn or teach or to gain a little more life experience. You might get the chance to put your talents to use, or even to show them off a little.

Capricorn

Capricorn

This is unlikely to be an ordinary or routine day, dear Capricorn, particularly with family and around the home. You might become inspired to redecorate or switch things up, you could receive unexpected visitors, or a surprising discovery can be made with someone close to you. It’s also a good time for talking rationally and easily about personal matters. Problem-solving about emotional issues is improved. A Uranus influence allows for the ability to detach yourself from a problem just enough to come up with innovative solutions. This is a good time for experimenting with approaches to others and ways to express your feelings. For some of you, there can be satisfying progress on a family or home-related matter now.

Aquarius

Aquarius

Today and tomorrow, you’re likely to seek out extra stimulation, and find it, dear Aquarius. Conversations can be at the very least interesting and likely very helpful. Your charm runs high now, and you might also be especially intrigued by what you hear. Negotiations tend to work out well now. Partnering up can help you solve a problem. A partnership or a communications project can enjoy progress. Opportunities to enhance or attract a partnership are available to you today, and part of this has to do with your willingness to approach matters with openness and honesty. You’re likely to open the airways and encourage others to do so as well.

Pisces

Pisces

Unusual and exciting elements on the job or in your daily routine can be in focus today, dear Pisces, and they may very well make you shine. Look for new ways of approaching your work or services, making or handling money, and improving health. Problem solving comes very easily to you today as you look at practical matters in a new light. Your eye is on progress. A solution can come to you seemingly out of the blue, but it’s probably been with you on some level in the past – you simply weren’t tuned in, and now you are. Practical matters can thrive. It’s a good day for researching health programs or regimes. Alternatives can be introduced now that lead you to rethink old problems and concerns.

The Details:

If you’re astrologically inclined and interested in the details of the Astrology of today, here are some of the factors considered in the forecasts (for the astrology of the week, see This Week in Astrology):

Date & Time: Aug 16 2016 7:52 amEvent: Moon enters AquariusDescription: The Moon in AquariusThis is generally a good time for social pursuits, group projects, trying something new, joining a group, and networking. A change of pace refreshes. Hobbies, clubs, and groups may demand attention now. It is time to build networks and cooperate. Humanitarian pursuits are highlighted.

Date & Time: Aug 16 2016 0:48 amEvent: Tr-Tr Mon SSq NepDescription: Transiting Moon SemiSquare Transiting NeptuneIf we are not in touch with our need for inspiration, beauty, compassion, connection to something otherworldly, or our spirituality, we could feel out of sorts right now. Relaxing, listening to music, getting close to nature, or taking a break may resolve this.

Date & Time: Aug 16 2016 3:52 amEvent: Tr-Tr Mon Sqq NodDescription: Transiting Moon SesquiSquare Transiting North NodeThere may be the need to pause to adjust things before moving plans forward. We could feel at odds with others on an emotional level. Public relations are not as favorable now.

Date & Time: Aug 16 2016 4:32 amEvent: Tr-Tr Mon Sqq VenDescription: Transiting Moon SesquiSquare Transiting VenusWe can feel a little out of sorts. Our needs for pleasure, love, or entertainment may be at odds with our needs for comfort and familiarity, and we can be on the fence about what to do next. Overspending or overeating is possible.

Date & Time: Aug 16 2016 7:52 amEvent: Tr-Tr Mon Cnj AquDescription: Transiting Moon Entering AquariusThis is generally a good time for social pursuits, group projects, trying something new, joining a group, and networking. A change of pace refreshes. Hobbies, clubs, and groups may demand attention now. It is time to build networks and cooperate. Humanitarian pursuits are highlighted.

Date & Time: Aug 16 2016 4:26 pmEvent: Tr-Tr Mon Sqr CerDescription: Transiting Moon Square Transiting CeresThere can be conflicts with loved ones, or we could be feeling unsupported. People could seem insensitive or uncaring, or our own needs seem to be at odds with the needs of family and friends.

Date & Time: Aug 16 2016 6:49 pmEvent: Tr-Tr Mon Sxt MarDescription: Transiting Moon Sextile Transiting MarsWe are more courageous and able to take the lead. We are in tune with our natural desires and instincts. We express our feelings honestly. We are independent, resourceful, and brave.

Date & Time: Aug 16 2016 8:13 pmEvent: Tr-Tr Mon Sqq MerDescription: Transiting Moon SesquiSquare Transiting MercuryWhat feels right clashes with logic today. What people are saying may be a misrepresentation of their true feelings/emotions. It’s better to think before we speak, or misunderstandings can follow.

Date & Time: Aug 16 2016 12:15 pmEvent: Tr-Tr Sun Qnx ChiDescription: Transiting Sun Quincunx Transiting ChironWe could misjudge our capabilities now and might end up pushing ourselves or others to a point where we feel hurt, rejected, or criticized. Or, we might struggle with a situation where we may need to humble ourselves. People or circumstances may seem to be exposing or playing on our vulnerabilities.

FIRE STRONGFire is enthusiastic, dynamic, and spontaneous, but lacks reflection. We are more courageous and adventurous now, with a tendency to act before thinking. There is little concern about what happened in the past. We are competitive and possibly impatient or bored easily. WATER WEAKThere may be some insensitivity or lack of empathy now. We may be out of touch with what we’re feeling or with our emotional needs. We may be tougher than usual now, and more inclined to follow mental or practical considerations than we are to listen to our intuition.

BALANCE OF MODES

CARDINAL WEAKThis is not a time that we tend to naturally initiate actions. We may be stronger at following up than starting anew. Survival mechanisms may be weaker now. MUTABLE STRONGWe are flexible, adaptable, willing, open to change, and possibly flighty or nervous.

Current Lunar Phase

LUNAR PHASE: GIBBOUSMoon 135 to 180 degrees ahead of the Sun. We are looking to attach value and meaning to our goals. This is a time for analyzing, questioning, perfecting, and improving.

The following aspects (major only) and positions are at noon (EDT) on August 16th:

Note that when an aspect is applying, it has not yet happened but is within orb – it’s pending. When an aspect is separating, it has already happened/perfected and is moving away from the aspect. Depending on the speed of the planet/body involved, the aspect will have perfected, or will perfect, in a matter of hours (often the case with the Moon), days, months, and possibly years in the case of the very slow-moving outer planets and bodies.

Note that the Moon moves at a rate of approximately one degree every 2 hours, so that if an aspect involving is applying and has an orb of 5 degrees, the aspect will perfect (be exact) in about 10 hours. If the Moon is separating from an aspect with an orb of 2 degrees, it has already formed said aspect approximately 4 hours ago (since the following are positions at noon today, then it would have occurred at about 8 AM today).

**I suggest paying close attention to applying aspects. The energy of the aspect builds as it gets closer to exact. Once an aspect involving inner planets has happened, it’s over. Separating aspects are good to know for context, but in terms of energy that is with us today, applying aspects are most important. (This is the case for daily astrology influences involving inner planets, which pass quickly, and not natal astrology aspects, which are with us for a lifetime).

THE MOON

THE MOON IN AQUARIUSYou feel secure with intellect rather than emotions. You may be aloof from emotions, or distrust emotions as irrational and unpredictable. You may have viewed your mother as emotionally erratic.

ASPECTS OF THE MOONSEXTILE MARS Orb 3°40′ ApplyingWe are more courageous and able to take the lead. We are in tune with our natural desires and instincts. We express our feelings honestly, and are more independent, resourceful, or brave.

THE SUN

THE SUN IN LEOYou are good-hearted, have a sunny personality, and a strong need for attention. You have a generous nature, but can be arrogant.

25TH DEGREE OF LEOPart of Body: Pericardium Sabian Symbol: A large camel crossing the desert.

ASPECTS OF THE SUNTRINE URANUS Orb 0°10′ ApplyingWe are looking forward, happy and confident about making changes and improvements. We are willing to experiment and explore.

QUINCUNX CHIRON Orb 0°00′ ApplyingWe could misjudge our capabilities now and might end up pushing ourselves or others to a point where we feel hurt, rejected, or crticized. Or, we might struggle with a situation where we may need to humble ourselves. People or circumstances may seem to be exposing or playing on our vulnerabilities.

MERCURY

MERCURY IN VIRGOYou have a discriminating mind, and can be critical and analytical. You can also become obsessed with detailed knowledge. This may be to your detriment in daily life, although it is very beneficial for doing any kind of research. You like to be precise in your communications with others.

22ND DEGREE OF VIRGOPart of Body: Gall-bladder Sabian Symbol: A royal coat of arms.

ASPECTS OF MERCURYCONJUNCTION VENUS Orb 8°02′ ApplyingWe are more agreeable, sociable, and focused on balance and harmony. Conversations flow nicely.

CONJUNCTION JUPITER Orb 3°29′ ApplyingYou are talkative and have a thirst for knowledge. You have big ideas and plans. Education will feature largely in your life.

OPPOSITION CHIRON Orb 2°38′ ApplyingThere can be insecurity about our own ideas or decisions, or we may not know who/what to believe. Words, or lack of, can hurt right now. There is greater sensitivity to what is being said, choice of words, and syntax.

VENUS

VENUS IN VIRGOThis is a time when we express our love through practical means and gestures – running errands, doing detail work, or just being there. What we love, what we decide to buy and the types of entertainment we enjoy during this cycle are ruled by whether or not things make sense.

14TH DEGREE OF VIRGOPart of Body: Cystic arteries Sabian Symbol: A family tree.

ASPECTS OF VENUSSQUARE SATURN Orb 3°45′ SeparatingLack of spontaneity when it comes to expressions of affection and the pursuit of pleasure, likely due to insecurities or fear. We may be reserved, withdrawn, cautious, and tight with money and/or feelings. Feelings of being alone and not getting what we want/need can be experienced now.

OPPOSITION NEPTUNE Orb 2°27′ SeparatingWe are easily seduced, impressionable, and ready to believe what we want to see. Wait for a better time to make important decisions, but pay attention to feelings that emerge now. This is a time for acknowledging imperfections in relationships.

TRINE PLUTO Orb 1°46′ ApplyingWe’re a better judge of value right now — who and what are important to us. We might see one another, and our relationships, in a different light. We could reconnect with someone or improve an existing bond. We could be up for a challenge now. Increased insight in relationships, with money, and in business.

CONJUNCTION THE NORTH NODE Orb 0°45′ SeparatingYour destiny is linked with the need to develop harmonious and balanced relationships. Relationships will play an important role in your accomplishments. You need to make sure that your need to keep the peace does not hinder decisive action.

MARS

MARS IN SAGITTARIUSYou are an inspirational leader, and have a strong desire for exploration and adventure. You may be one-pointed in your desires.

6TH DEGREE OF SAGITTARIUSPart of Body: Left femoral artery Sabian Symbol: A game of cricket.

ASPECTS OF MARSCONJUNCTION SATURN Orb 3°48′ ApplyingYou sometimes feel that it is hard to express your energy fully, that something always holds you back. There is a feeling of “bashing your head against a brick wall” and this is frustrating. You are ambitious, and have the ability to slowly but surely reach your goals. You also have the ability to organise yourself and others, and good self discipline.

SQUARE NEPTUNE Orb 5°06′ ApplyingThis is a time for resting, escaping, or taking a break as we reconsider our needs. We might temporarily lose focus or direction.

JUPITER

JUPITER IN VIRGOYou have a strong desire to be of service, and high religious or spiritual ideals. You may also have an obsession with detailed perfection.

26TH DEGREE OF VIRGOPart of Body: Abdominal veins Sabian Symbol: A boy with a censer serves near the priest.

ASPECTS OF JUPITERQUINCUNX URANUS Orb 0°41′ SeparatingYou need to learn how to put all your enthusiasm to good use. You lack self discipline and leave the details of your grand schemes to others to sort out. Learn to manage yourself better and you will achieve much.

OPPOSITION CHIRON Orb 0°51′ SeparatingThis can be a time when we are hungry for meaning and understanding, but it can be difficult to align ourselves with a personal philosophy or belief system that truly reflects our core. We might be led astray by beliefs and ideas now, or we might experience some form of crisis of faith.

SATURN

SATURN IN SAGITTARIUSSaturn in Sagittarius asks us to take on the responsibility of living according to our personal truths and principles, and to be loyal to these. This is a time for turning a critical eye to those beliefs and principles that don’t accurately reflect our authentic selves. (December 23, 2014 to June 14, 2015, then September 17, 2015 to December 20, 2017)

10TH DEGREE OF SAGITTARIUSPart of Body: Left lymphatic vessels Sabian Symbol: A stage symbolization of the “goddess of opportunity”.

ASPECTS OF SATURNSQUARE NEPTUNE Orb 1°17′ ApplyingSome feelings of disillusionment can come now as our dreams and ideals can be put to the test. Questioning our faith in our dreams can lead to lack of follow-through or wasteful activities and avoidance of responsibilities. Ideally, this crisis leads to a realignment of material goals and spiritual ideals as we assess what is truly meaningful to us.

URANUS

URANUS IN ARIESThe urge to start fresh, to break free from restrictive attitudes or circumstances, to totally redesign an area of our lives (or even our personalities), and to gain freedom through independence is strong during this cycle. (May 27, 2010 to August 13, 2010, then March 11th, 2011 to May 15, 2018, then November 6, 2018 to March 6, 2019).

NEPTUNE IN PISCESA long-term influence in which fantasy, imagination, compassion, and spirituality are in stronger focus. (April 4, 2011 to August 4, 2011, then February 3, 2012 to March 30, 2025, then October 22, 2025 to January 26, 2026)

12TH DEGREE OF PISCESPart of Body: Plantar artery of right foot Sabian Symbol: An examination of initiates.

ASPECTS OF NEPTUNECONJUNCTION THE SOUTH NODE Orb 1°41′ ApplyingYou have a tendency to daydream and live in a fantasy world, possibly even escaping into the world of drugs and depression. Your quest in this life is to put your creative talents to positive use.

PLUTO

PLUTO IN CAPRICORNTests of our boundaries; breaking down and rebuilding structures and rules. (From January 25, 2008 to June 14, 2008, then November 26, 2008 to March 23, 2023, then June 11, 2023 to January 20, 2024, then September 1, 2024 to November 19, 2024).

16TH DEGREE OF CAPRICORNPart of Body: Condyle of right tibia Sabian Symbol: Boys and girls in gymnasium suits.

Chiron, Major Asteroids, and Moon’s Nodes: in Sign and in Aspect

CHIRON

CHIRON IN PISCESStrong awareness of our own vulnerabilities and humanity stimulates compassion for others. (April 20 to July 20, 2010, then February 8, 2011 to April 17, 2018, then September 25, 2018 to February 18, 2019).

25TH DEGREE OF PISCESPart of Body: Left distal tibio-fibular joint Sabian Symbol: The purging of the priesthood.

VESTA

VESTA IN CANCERYou are committed to your family and loved ones, especially when they need you. However, you may withdraw like a crab into your shell if you feel hurt by those closest to you. You enjoy working with those close to you.

9TH DEGREE OF CANCERPart of Body: Pylorus Sabian Symbol: A tiny nude miss reaching in the water for a fish.

PALLAS

PALLAS IN AQUARIUSYour mind can be brilliant, original and insightful. You are able to quickly grasp new ideas and apply them to the future. You fight for your ideals, and humanitarian or political causes.

29TH DEGREE OF AQUARIUSPart of Body: Left tibia Sabian Symbol: Butterfly emerging from a chrysalis.

JUNO

JUNO IN SCORPIOYou want an intense and sexual relationship. You want your partner’s total attention and demand a high degree of sensuality.

CERES IN TAURUSYou feel cared for when loved ones give you a sense of stability and security. You like to be touched and stroked, and nurtured in practical ways. You also like to show others you care through practical means.

5TH DEGREE OF TAURUSPart of Body: Pharyngeal cavity Sabian Symbol: A widow at an open grave.

THE NORTH NODE

THE NORTH NODE IN VIRGOThis is a quest to become dedicated to the service of others. You will need to overcome the tendency to daydream and feel overwhelmed and to put your compassion and wisdom to practical use for humanity.

13TH DEGREE OF VIRGOPart of Body: Hepatic arteries Sabian Symbol: A powerful statesman wins to his cause a hysterical mob.

THE SOUTH NODE

THE SOUTH NODE IN PISCESThis is a quest to become dedicated to the service of others. You will need to overcome the tendency to daydream and feel overwhelmed and to put your compassion and wisdom to practical use for humanity.

13TH DEGREE OF PISCESPart of Body: Plantar artery of left foot Sabian Symbol: A sword in a museum.